Rye School District Awards Tenure to Five Educators

Five staff members – Linda Flanagan, Cara Marasco, Julissa Marcano, Ashley Merritt and Megan Wilson – from the Rye City School District were awarded tenure during the Board of Education meeting on June 2.  

“Earning tenure is an achievement that reflects years of education, practice, and the thoughtful and intensive application of knowledge and skill,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tricia Murray said.  

Marasco, a special education teacher at Osborn School, was described as an educator who embodies partnership and a versatile teacher who has successfully transitioned across multiple grade levels and programs. Before coming to Rye, she spent five years as a K-8 special education lead and in inclusion and special education support services at Teachers College Community School, and three years as a third grade teacher at Baychester Academy in the Bronx.  

“A true hallmark of Cara's teaching is her ability to bridge the gap between high expectations and individualized needs,” Osborn School Principal Angela Garcia said. “She thinks deeply about how to differentiate her instruction, ensuring that her students are meaningfully engaged in the rigorous grade-level curriculum while simultaneously making progress toward their specific IEP goals. [Her] unwavering commitment, compassion and skilled leadership have made a vital impact on our school community.”  

Marcano, a school psychologist at Osborn School, has proven to be an invaluable pillar of support for students, staff and families since she came to Rye in 2022. Prior to that, she worked for the Dobbs Ferry School District as a school psychologist. She completed her school psychology internship in the Hyde Park School District at the high school level and her school psychology practicum at the Fostertown ETC Magnet School in Newburgh.  

“Julissa listens closely, validates concerns and partners with parents and teachers to ensure that our children feel safe, seen and supported both at school and home,” Garcia said. “[Her] dedication, professionalism and profound kindness have a lasting, positive impact on Osborn School.”  

Merritt, a teacher at Osborn School, was described as an exceptional educator who is dedicated, student-centered and deeply reflective. Her dedication to the Rye community extends beyond the classroom as she has been the assistant coach for the unified basketball and JV basketball teams. Before coming to Rye, she taught first and second grade in the Wappingers Central School District.  

“What truly sets her apart is her professional maturity,” Garcia said. “Ashley has a masterful command of teacher language. By choosing her words with deliberate intention and kindness, she has cultivated a classroom community rooted in deep, mutual respect. [Her] student-first philosophy ensures that every single child in her care feels safe, supported and completely understood.”  

Wilson, a Rye Middle School reading teacher, came to Rye from Winston Preparatory School, where she was a dean, literature and writing instructor, and focus instructor. Prior to that, she was a supervising literacy practitioner at Dean Hope Center for Educational and Psychological Services and a research assistant at Community College Research Center, both at Teachers College Columbia University.

“Ms. Wilson has become an integral part of our community and the driving force behind our literacy instruction,” Rye Middle School Principal Nick Clair said. “Reading is the foundation of everything we do. Meg works every day to ensure our students have the real-world literacy skills to thrive beyond our hallways. […] She shines through her dedication to her students, her generosity toward her colleagues and her fierce belief in what young people can achieve.”  

Flanagan, an elementary supervisor of special education, has been instrumental in strengthening the co-teaching teams at the elementary level, implementing Data-Based Intervention (DBI) for students requiring specialized reading instruction and supporting the three special classes at Milton. She is an active member of the IST, MTSS and DBI teams across all elementary schools. Through her leadership, she has provided meaningful professional development for teaching assistants and aides and has played a key role in the development and implementation of the Building Bridges program at the elementary level. Before coming to Rye, she spent 12 years in Dobbs Ferry as a speech-language pathologist, special education coordinator and assistant director of special education.  

“During her time here, Ms. Flanagan has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, deep knowledge of special education regulations and a commitment to students, families and staff,” Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Dr. Erin Vredenburgh said. “Beyond her many responsibilities, Ms. Flanagan is known for her professionalism, compassion and dedication. She consistently goes above and beyond to support teachers, guide families and advocate for students. Her work reflects The Rye Commitment and meeting the needs of every learner.”